The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) is a government-funded financial assistance program for incoming college freshmen. Withnover thousands of available slots, this opportunity is open to academically talented Filipino students who need financial assistance. Interested applicants must submit their requirements before the application deadline to be considered though.
The CMSP provides full and half scholarships to support deserving first-year college students. It aims to help students belonging to underprivileged sectors, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and their dependents. If you meet the requirements, this scholarship will help cover tuition, living expenses, and educational materials, allowing you to focus on your studies.
Program Overview
As a government-funded financial assistance program for incoming college freshmen, the program is a testament to the government’s commitment to accessible education, the program prioritizes students enrolling in CHED-recognized programs at private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
The program is also implemented under the legal foundations of Republic Act No. 7722, which created CHED (Commission on Higher Education) to promote quality higher education. Its primary objective is to alleviate the financial burden of college education for talented Filipino students, particularly those from marginalized communities. The CMSP offers full and partial scholarships, covering tuition, living allowances, and educational resources for eligible students nationwide.
Benefits
The program provides various benefits to help students complete their college education with ease. These benefits include:
- Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF): Full or partial coverage depending on the scholarship type.
- Stipend: Financial support for living expenses, released directly to scholars or through their schools.
- Book and Connectivity Allowance: Assistance for purchasing learning materials and internet access per semester.
- Annual and Semestral Packages: Flexible financial assistance options for both private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) or Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
Target Beneficiaries
The program prioritizes students in recognized CHED priority courses and those belonging to specific groups, including:
- Underprivileged and homeless citizens (RA 7279)
- Persons with Disabilities (RA 7277)
- Solo parents and their dependents (RA 8972)
Note: Successful applicants may receive either a full or half scholarship that includes tuition coverage, allowances, and stipends for living expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, interested applicants must meet the following criteria:
- General Eligibility
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Must be a graduating high school student or high school graduate
- General Weighted Average (GWA)
- Full Merit Scholarship: At least 96% or its equivalent.
- Half Merit Scholarship: 93% to 95%.
- Special Groups Eligibility: Applicants must submit certifications or IDs issued by recognized agencies and be under the following laws:
- RA 7279 (Underprivileged)
- RA 7277 (PWD)
- RA 8972 (Solo Parents)
- Government Financial Assistance Rule: Applicants must not be a recipient of other government-funded scholarships or financial assistance programs.
Required Documents
Applicants are also expected to prepare the following documents to prove their eligibility for the program when applying for the CMSP:
- Proof of Citizenship
- Certified true copy of your Birth Certificate
- Academic Records
- High school report card for incoming freshmen.
- Certified true copy of grades for Grade 11 and 1st semester of Grade 12 (for graduating students).
- Proof of Income (choose one)
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents/guardian
- Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
- Certificate of Indigence from the Barangay or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Case Study Report from DSWD
- Latest employment contract or income proof for children of OFWs and seafarers
- Special Group Documentation
- Certifications or valid IDs for underprivileged citizens, PWDs, solo parents, senior citizens, or indigenous peoples.
How to Apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship
Follow these steps to submit your application:
Step 1. Prepare All Required Documents
Ensure all documents are complete and legible.
Step 2. Scan Your Documents
Scan your documents clearly in PDF format.
Step 3. Submit Your Application Online
Send your application and scanned documents to your respective CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO).
Step 4. Contact CHED Regional Offices for Assistance
If you have questions or you wish to get updates on your application, contact your nearest CHED Regional Office via their email or hotline numbers.
Where to Get the Application Form
Applicants for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) can obtain the application form from their respective CHED Regional Offices. It is also available for download on the official CHED website or through their online scholarship portals. Make sure to check the specific CHED Regional Office website for any updates or additional instructions regarding the application process.
Important Notes for Applicants
For your reference, here are some important notes that all applicants must keep in mind:
- Minimum GWA Requirement: Applicants must have at least 96% GWA for Full Merit and 93% to 95% for Half Merit.
- Available Slots: Only the top-ranked applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be selected based on the availability of slots.
- Recognized Programs: Applicants must enroll in CHED priority programs offered in private HEIs, SUCs, or LUCs with a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC).
- Submission Deadline: All applications must be submitted on or before the application deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help make the application process easier, we also listed all potential and commonly asked questions about this program:
1. Who can apply for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program?
Incoming freshmen with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 96% for Full Merit and 93%-95% for Half Merit, and who meet the eligibility requirements, can apply.
2. What are the financial benefits of the CMSP?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses, and a book/connectivity allowance.
3. Are there income restrictions for applicants?
Yes, the combined annual gross income of the applicant’s family must not exceed PHP 400,000 unless special circumstances apply, such as medical findings or multiple dependents in college.
4. Can I apply for the CMSP if I already have another scholarship?
No, applicants can only avail of one government-funded financial assistance program.
5. How do I submit my application?
Applications, along with scanned documents, must be submitted online to the respective CHED Regional Office.
6. Which programs are prioritized under the CMSP?
Applicants must enroll in CHED-recognized priority programs offered by private HEIs, SUCs, or LUCs with Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC).
7. How will I know if I’m selected for the scholarship?
Selected scholars will be notified by CHED or their respective Regional Offices after evaluation and ranking.
Video: Applying for CHED Merit Scholarship Program
For a step-by-step guide on the CMSP application, you can watch this video from Arlyn Bambico. This video covers eligibility requirements, the list of required documents, and how to submit your application for a smoother process.
Summary
The CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) provides valuable financial assistance for first-year college students in the Philippines. Applicants can receive full or half scholarships to cover tuition, living expenses, and educational needs. To apply, students must meet eligibility requirements, submit complete documents, and file their applications within the designated deadline. Contact your CHED Regional Office for further inquiries and guidance.